Rifle Arch is an excellent cool/cold weather crag 7 miles north of the town of Rifle. The 500 foot high, sandstone slabs soak up the sun for most of the day making it one of the better winter cragging options in this area. The rock is generally low-angled and featured with bulges and smooth, sandy slabs comprising the main challenges of the moderate climbs found here (most climbs check in at 5.4 to 5.10). The routes range from 50 to 500+ feet in length on varying quality rock and are almost entirely bolt protected. Twelve draws, a handful of slings, two ropes and a little discretion on what and what not to pull on is all you will need for a day at the Arch.
Getting There
Drive north out of the town of Rifle on CO Hwy 13 for 7 miles. Just past MM 7 there is a pull off on the right with a gated, BLM trail that leads to the Arch. Follow this obvious trail for about 25 minute of mostly easy walking until you get to a set of log benches by the trail. You will be close to the arch and walls at this point. Bush whack left off of the trail at the benches heading towards the varnished walls. An intermittent trail leads along the base of these walls, passing the climbs as you go.
The BLM has found an eagle's nest near the Arch and ask that climbers do not climb on or in the immediate vicinity of the arch itself. All of the currently established routes have been deemed ok to climb on, as most sit out of view of the nest.
Rifle Arch
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